René Descartes was a renowned French philosopher, mathematician, and scientist, noted as a pivotal figure in the development of modern philosophy and science. Born on 31 March 1596, Descartes is best known for his philosophical statement, "cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). He made significant contributions to mathematics by merging geometry and algebra into analytic geometry, and is the namesake of the Cartesian coordinate system.

Descartes was a key figure in the Scientific Revolution and is often called the father of modern philosophy, credited with emphasizing epistemology in the 17th century. His influential works, such as Meditations on First Philosophy, are still studied today. His philosophical method, detailed in texts like Passions of the Soul, broke with the schools of scholasticism prevalent in universities at the time, championing a new approach to philosophy and science.

Descartes' natural philosophy rejected teleological explanations, favoring mechanical interpretations of natural phenomena. A devout Catholic, he believed in the absolute freedom of God's creation, distinguishing his views from those of his predecessors. His theories and methods laid the groundwork for future philosophical inquiry and scientific investigation.